Affiliations: Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Krzysztof Kassolik, University School of Physical Education, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, 51-617 Wrocław, ul.Witelona 25a, Poland. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The principle of tensegrity in massage. The study introduces a theoretical justification for the use of the tensegrity principle in massage. Balanced pulling forces occurring in the organism are a guarantee that optimal spatial arrangement of cells, tissues and organs is sustained. Stabilization of the skeleton of human body changes depending on the functional and resting muscular tonus. The phenomena is based on the principle of biokinematic chains, according to which any changes in the tonus of one of the elements of the chain cause changes in the tonus of other of its elements. It is called tensegrity or integration of tensions. It describes a mechanical stabilization of a structure by balancing pulling forces (muscles, fascia, ligaments) and compression forces (bones and cartilage). Proper distribution of resting tonus of the muscles is a prerequisite to optimal spatial arrangement in the organism, known as structural homeostasis. One of the most fundamental tasks of massage is normalization of resting tonus of skeletal muscles. If it is to be effective in the long run, it has to take into consideration structural dependences in accordance with the principle of tensegrity. Therefore, massage should be performed not only in the painful area but also within those tissues (muscles, fascia, ligaments) which are in structural dependence with it and take part in balancing the tonus of painful tissues.
